The triceps dip (between benches) is a bodyweight exercise targeting the triceps, performed by supporting your weight on your hands between two benches and lowering and raising your body.
Quick Facts
How to Do Triceps Dip (between Benches)
Follow these step-by-step instructions to perform Triceps Dip (between Benches) with proper form and technique.
- Sit on a bench with your hands gripping the edge of the bench, fingers pointing forward.
- Slide your butt off the bench, supporting your weight with your hands.
- Bend your elbows and lower your body towards the ground, keeping your back close to the bench.
- Pause for a moment at the bottom, then push yourself back up to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Muscles Worked
Understanding which muscles Triceps Dip (between Benches) targets helps you integrate it effectively into your training program.
Target Muscles
These are the main muscles responsible for performing the movement and receive the greatest training stimulus.
Secondary Muscles
These muscles assist in the movement and receive secondary training benefits.
Benefits of Triceps Dip (between Benches)
Incorporating Triceps Dip (between Benches) into your workout routine offers numerous advantages for strength, muscle development, and overall fitness.
- Triceps Development: Triceps Dip (between Benches) directly targets and strengthens the Triceps, promoting muscle growth and improved functional strength.
- Secondary Muscle Engagement: This exercise also works the Chest and Shoulders, providing additional training stimulus without extra exercises.
- Convenience and Accessibility: This exercise requires no equipment, making it perfect for home workouts, travel, or when gym access is limited.
- Functional Strength: Strength exercises like Triceps Dip (between Benches) build real-world strength that transfers to daily activities and athletic performance.
Safety Tips and Precautions
Performing Triceps Dip (between Benches) safely is essential for preventing injuries and ensuring long-term progress.
- Warm Up Properly: Before performing Triceps Dip (between Benches), complete 5-10 minutes of light cardio followed by dynamic stretches targeting the Triceps and surrounding muscles.
- Prioritize Form Over Weight: Never sacrifice proper technique for heavier weights. Poor form significantly increases injury risk and reduces the exercise's effectiveness.
- Progress Gradually: Master easier progressions before attempting advanced variations. Ensure your supporting surface is stable.
- Respect Your Range of Motion: Work within your current mobility limits. Gradually improve flexibility over time rather than forcing deeper positions.
- Don't Hold Your Breath: Maintain consistent breathing throughout the exercise. Exhale during the exertion phase and inhale during the easier phase.
- Know When to Stop: End your set when you can no longer maintain proper form. Training to absolute failure on every set increases injury risk.
- Allow Adequate Recovery: The Triceps typically need 48-72 hours to recover after intense training. Avoid training the same muscle group on consecutive days.
Tracking Your Progress
To make consistent gains with Triceps Dip (between Benches), track these metrics during your workouts:
Track the number of sets you complete. Most training programs recommend 3-5 sets per exercise.
Record your repetitions per set. Adjust rep ranges based on your goals: 1-5 for strength, 6-12 for hypertrophy, 12+ for endurance.